Frank Lampard is set to be announced as Coventry City’s new manager by Thursday, following extensive negotiations with club owner Doug King.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder is poised to end his 18-month absence from management after reaching an agreement in principle with the Championship side.
The 46-year-old has been finalising contract details over the past two days, with sources indicating the appointment is now inevitable.
Lampard will take charge of the Sky Blues following the surprise dismissal of Mark Robins earlier this month.
Lampard has been out of work since departing Chelsea at the end of the 2022/23 season, where he managed just one win in 11 games as interim boss.
The Chelsea legend emerged as frontrunner for the Coventry position, beating former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to the role.
Van Nistelrooy had shown interest in the position but is reportedly holding out for a top-flight opportunity, with German side Hamburg also among his potential options.
The appointment comes after a recommendation from Harry Redknapp, Lampard’s uncle, who has close ties to Coventry owner Doug King.
Coventry City’s need for a new direction has become increasingly urgent, with the club sitting 17th in the Championship, just two points above the relegation zone.
The Sky Blues suffered a 2-0 defeat at Burnley on Tuesday night, highlighting their current struggles under interim boss Rhys Carr.
The team has fallen 10 points behind the play-off places after 17 games, presenting Lampard with a significant challenge to turn their fortunes around.
Owner Doug King had previously expressed concerns about relegation, stating: “I cannot have the risk of us getting relegated.
“Nobody thought Birmingham would get relegated – and they did.”
Lampard brings valuable Championship experience to the role, having previously guided Derby County to the play-off final in 2019.
During his tenure at Pride Park, Lampard won 20 of his 46 Championship matches in charge.
His spell at Derby was marked by success in developing young talent, bringing in players like Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori on loan.
The Derby side under Lampard’s leadership ranked among the top teams in the division for wins and goals scored during the 2018/19 season, though they ultimately fell short against Aston Villa in the play-off final.
Ruud van Nistelrooy had been linked with the Coventry job
PA
Lampard could make his managerial debut for Coventry this Saturday when they host Cardiff City at the CBS Arena.
The new boss is expected to bring in his own coaching staff, with current interim manager Rhys Carr acknowledging potential changes.
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Frank Lampard has experience of managing in the Championship
PA
“Whatever is the right decision for Coventry City is the right thing to do,” Carr said.
“It’s a fantastic club with some fantastic people, the staff are excellent and the players are a really, really good group.”
The appointment marks a significant shift for Coventry, who parted ways with the well-liked Robins after almost eight years at the helm.